Misconceptions of Clinical Depression
Updated: Mar 26, 2021
WHAT IS CLINICAL DEPRESSION?
Clinical depression is a severe form of depression and is not just caused by a medical condition or the loss of a loved one. Clinical depression must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist and typically displays more severe symptoms than other types of depressions. Some typical symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, outbursts, a loss of interest in daily activities, insomnia, lack of energy, anxiety, concentration problems, and suicidal thoughts.
MYTHS ABOUT CLINICAL DEPRESSION
Depression will always get better by itself; no treatment is needed
This is a total misconception and myth about clinical depression. Contrary to the beliefs of many who claim that you can just “snap out” of your depression, clinical depression is a medical condition, not simply a temporary feeling of sadness. The way your brain functions and is structured is altered by clinical depression and it can’t be wished away just by being “more positive”.
2. If you talk about your depression, it will only worsen, due to it emphasizing the things that make you sad.
This is false. Despite the above statement making sense in theory, it is actually much more harmful for people to hold their feelings inside, as it may enhance feelings of isolation and being alone. It is beneficial for those with clinical depression to talk about their feelings with a loved one or a certified therapist. While talking about your feelings is by no means a “cure”, it can help some of the symptoms of clinical depression.
3. Antidepressants are a “cure all” for depression
This is false. While antidepressants can help with some aspects of clinical depression, they are by no means a “cure all”. First off, antidepressants should not be used without a prescription from a doctor. In addition, there are multiple treatments for depression beside antidepressants (like psychotherapy or talk therapy) and an option that works for one person may not work for another. It is always important to remember that there is no such things as a “guaranteed cure” for clinical depression and that you should talk with a doctor or other mental health professional to determine the best treatment path for you.
If you believe that you may have depression, schedule an appointment with a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible.